Jeremy Corbyn responds to the Prime Minister’s update on the Sergei Skripal case

“We all condemn the suspected poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury. This was a deeply alarming attack that appalled the country and raises very serious questions. Nobody on the streets of Britain should ever face such an attack.

“There must be a thorough investigation into these shocking events. We need to see both the evidence and a full account from the Russian authorities in light of the emerging facts.

“Huge fortunes, often acquired in the most dubious circumstances in Russia, sometimes connected with criminal elements, have ended up sheltering in London and trying to buy political influence in British party politics.

“The Government could be taking action to introduce new financial sanctions powers. But instead they’re currently resisting Labour’s amendments to the sanctions and money laundering bill which could introduce the Magnitsky powers.

“The local community and public services involved need reassurance and resources. And the action the Government takes, once the facts are clear, needs to be both decisive and proportionate, and focused on reducing conflicts and tensions rather than increasing them.”

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